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V8 Dakotas
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afi360
*R/T*
 
12/20/2002
22:51:18
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 Subject: R/T trans cooler install question
IP: Logged
Message:
hey guys..i just spent the last 1 1/2 hours changing the oil and working on installing the b&m transcooler (the one with the heavy thick ribs, unlike the radiator or condenser)..its only about 1" thick, and i was copying "pistolero's" design (which is very cool, btw) all was going well, until i went to shut the hood LOL...am i insane or is the radiator and forward set up differently for a v6 and a v8?? looking at his pix and looking at my situation, i have like 1 1/2 inch LESS than the v6's do up front?!!? is that true, or am i retarded?!?!
**in shadows growing wings**
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Pistolero
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/21/2002
11:44:54
| RE: R/T trans cooler install question
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Message:
afi360, thanks for the compliment. With the hood up, it looks like there's all kinds of room, but, like you, I quickly found out that once the hood comes down, it's a tight squeeze. Before I started doing anything, I stuck a tape measure in through the grille with the hood down, then measured the thickness of the trans cooler and added in the 3/4" gap I'd need between the cooler/condenser, and I had just enough space, with a little to spare. I found that the most clearance was direct center, where the grille is at its outermost position.
The hose routing was the trickiest part...I played with that for almost a whole night, figuring out where to cut the line, and how to get the hose there. Because of the tight clearances, I didn't want the hood catching or slamming down on the hoses.
I wouldn't think that there'd be a difference between the V6 and the RT front ends, but I don't know for sure. Make sure that your cooler sits parallel to the AC condenser, and isn't tipped out at top or bottom. Assuming that your front end is just like mine, also reconfirm that your clearance between the cooler and condenser is no more than 3/4"...it could go back to 1/2" and still be OK. Keep your hoses pulled back and tight to the frame or radiator supports. Good luck!...P
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afi360
*R/T*
12/22/2002
04:34:25
| RE: R/T trans cooler install question
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Message:
yea, i totally copied your design from your pictures, VERY helpful, despite the screwups on my behalf, i wish i had the foresight to take pictures when i do work..LOL i owe you one.
anyway, i am going to install the thinner cooler, much like you have...the b&m simply WILL NOT fit..and i am going to copy your line routing, the first time i did the install i totally fu(ked it up....rubbed a hole in the condenser..not a cheap fix...and THEN to put salt in the wounds, the bracket that mounts the grille section to the hood rubbed a hole in the cooler line...making a HUGE mess of my truck...felt like a douchebag too.
**in shadows growing wings**
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The Dog
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/22/2002
10:13:49
| RE: R/T trans cooler install question
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Message:
My r/t came with an external cooler from the factory.Guess I just lucked out.
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Pistolero
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/22/2002
18:31:11
| RE: R/T trans cooler install question
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Message:
OUCH! Yeah, sometimes, it seems like it's just not our day, no matter how hard we try. I know all too well that feeling of panic that overcomes a person when they know they've screwed something up...it'll ruin the day, for sure. Glad to be of assistance, though, hope you get it sorted out OK.
Dog, you must've got the heavy duty tow package with your truck? I hear they come with an external cooler...P
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Timberwolf
GenIII
12/23/2002
16:26:03
| RE: R/T trans cooler install question
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Message:
I installed my trans cooler between the AC condensor and the radiator. Ran the lines out between them on the driver's side and down the to the bottom of the radiator. Unless you were looking for one, you wouldn't even know it was there. Just thought I would add my $.02.
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